The
use of technology in an elementary classroom can truly enhance the learning
environment for all students. The integration of technology can increase
student’s engagement and motivational levels, which are highly linked to their
success rate in the classroom. New technology is emerging everyday and it is
important for educators to have knowledge and understanding of these technologies
(Murphy, DePasquale &
McNamara , 2003). Having the understanding and
knowledge of these technologies can help them choose better technologies that
fit the needs of their students. One new piece of technology that can be
implemented into the classroom is an application called Dragon Dictation. This
application allows the user to speak directly into the piece of technology the
application was downloaded on and then the words that were spoken would be
illustrated onto the screen. Ideally, the piece of technology that would be
used in the classroom with this application is an iPad or computer. Being in a
diverse learning environment, it is easy to agree that this tool can benefit a
lot of the students who struggle with writing and forming their letters/words,
especially in the special education field.
This
technology can be extremely beneficial for students who struggle with
handwriting/penmanship. This application can be tremendously valuable for a
student who can speak well and can express their ideas, but fail to get them
down on paper effectively. Dragon Dictation allows the user to easily speak and
then instantly see what the user spoke. One may think that the use of a computer
and typing is just as effective, but research shows that the use of Dragon
Dictation is up to five times faster than typing on a keyboard. This
application is shown to be accurate in all situations and it allows the user to
save any data or notes that are taken (Nuance
Communications, 2012). Similar to all technologies,
there is always a disadvantage. The one disadvantage with Dragon Dictation is
that the room in which the application is being utilized must be completely
quiet or else the application will pick up the surrounding noises/words. This
would require the user to go into a different, quieter location.
Before
integrating any type of model or technological tool, it is imperative for
teachers to know their students and how they learn best. It is difficult, yet
nearly impossible, to integrate a model or tool that doesn’t adhere to how the
educator’s students learn best. After the educator has a good understanding of
how his/her students learn, the implementation of models and tools becomes
easier. With that, teachers need to analyze and have a good understanding of
the technological tools he/she wants to integrate into the classroom before
actually integrating them. Research shows that new tools are hitting the market
everyday and technologies that are already in existence are expanding their
features ("50 education
technology," 2012). This makes it difficult
for teachers to know the full extent these tools can have if they do not
research and fully analyze them. With the proper research and analysis of
technology, teachers can truly create a more positive environment for students.
With proper integration and application, technology can and has been proven to
have a positive impact on children’s social, emotional, language, and cognitive
development. It is the responsibility of the educator to demonstrate to the
students how to use the technology in a safe and educational way (Murphy,
DePasquale & McNamara , 2003).
Here is the link to learn more about Dragon Dictation: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8
References:
50 education
technology tools every teacher should know about. (2012,
August 21). Retrieved from http://edudemic.com/2012/08/50-
education-technology-tools-every-teacher-should-know-about/
Murphy, K.,
DePasquale, R., & McNamara , E. (2003). Using technology in
primary classrooms. Young Children on
the Web, Retrieved from
ms.pdf
Nuance Communications.
(2012). Dragon dictation. Retrieved from
dictation/id341446764?mt=8
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